Latham (Cap Markets) vs. Ropes (M&A) Forum

[Jyeatbvg]

Hi everyone,

I'm in a unique position coming in from outside USA. I have offers to join Ropes & Gray's M&A Group and Latham's Capital Markets Group, both in NYC. Curious on what people think of the firms and the groups, what the various practices are like (hours, work) and what the exit options and foreign lateral options (UK/Asia) are like for each practice?

Your thoughts are very much appreciated!

Thank you

[Anonymous User]

I opted for Ropes, but am admittedly biased because I work there. I think the culture is great for big law (though I think Boston has better culture than NY) and I understand that our M&A group gets interesting and sophisticated work. I suppose the difference in office culture is only relevant is we ever go back.

I would avoid a capital markets position unless that’s the only offer you get. Sounds miserable to me.

[Jyeatbvg]

I opted for Ropes, but am admittedly biased because I work there. I think the culture is great for big law (though I think Boston has better culture than NY) and I understand that our M&A group gets interesting and sophisticated work. I suppose the difference in office culture is only relevant is we ever go back.

I would avoid a capital markets position unless that’s the only offer you get. Sounds miserable to me.

Thanks! May I ask what about Ropes’ culture makes it a good place to be? I’ve heard good things about it but haven’t received many specifics.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone not answering Latham CapM is not giving you a good advice. As a non-US associate myself, I can tell you that being a US CapM lawyer will open a lot of doors everywhere (there are tons of US CapM attorneys needed in all major financial centers), whereas your reach as a US M&A lawyer will be much more limited.

[Anonymous User]

I would avoid a capital markets position unless that’s the only offer you get. Sounds miserable to me.

OP, if it helps, I’m a cap mkts associate and I feel the same way about M&A.

[Anonymous User]

Hours will be pretty bad at both, though capital markets is a lot more predictable and has a lot less emergencies than M&A. Capital markets provides much better foreign lateral opportunities, especially to the UK. Latham is also more global, given your background.

[Anonymous User]

Latham is overall a stronger firm, especially on the corporate side, and especially in new york. They are one of the elite capital market players in NY market, but also globally - large presence in HK and London I believe. But it really comes down to which practice area you are more interested in - Ropes is also a great firm and has robust corporate practice. M&A is very transferrable but so is cap market. London market has sizable presence of high-yield cap market work; and HK market has plenty of IPOs for the elite US firms.

[Anonymous User]

Hours will be pretty bad at both, though capital markets is a lot more predictable and has a lot less emergencies than M&A.

Uhhh what. Yeah, so predictable getting a new offering that orgs up on a Friday and wants to launch Monday.

[Jyeatbvg]

Latham is overall a stronger firm, especially on the corporate side, and especially in new york. They are one of the elite capital market players in NY market, but also globally - large presence in HK and London I believe. But it really comes down to which practice area you are more interested in - Ropes is also a great firm and has robust corporate practice. M&A is very transferrable but so is cap market. London market has sizable presence of high-yield cap market work; and HK market has plenty of IPOs for the elite US firms.

Thanks for this. I am more interested in M&A so while losing the prestige of Latham is tough, I think I will go Ropes.

[Anonymous User]

Latham is overall a stronger firm, especially on the corporate side, and especially in new york. They are one of the elite capital market players in NY market, but also globally - large presence in HK and London I believe. But it really comes down to which practice area you are more interested in - Ropes is also a great firm and has robust corporate practice. M&A is very transferrable but so is cap market. London market has sizable presence of high-yield cap market work; and HK market has plenty of IPOs for the elite US firms.

Thanks for this. I am more interested in M&A so while losing the prestige of Latham is tough, I think I will go Ropes.

They are both great firms, go with whichever fits your goal better